Chapter 139

"Hela," Lydia's voice cut through the battle-torn silence, her gaze now fixed on the Goddess of Death, "You're up."

Hela's eyes lit up in anticipation, her hands flexing with readiness. It wasn't every day that you got to challenge someone of Gorr's caliber in combat. And having been a mere spectator to Wanda's skirmish, the thrill of a fight was now pulsating through her veins.

She watched as Gorr pushed himself up from the rubble, the Necrosword regaining its fierce glow in his grasp. A twisted smile curled at the corners of Hela's lips. "Finally, some real fun," she mused aloud, launching herself towards Gorr without another word.

Their collision sent out a shockwave that rippled through the surroundings, causing Thor to stagger back a few steps. His eyes were wide with a mix of shock and incredulity. "She's teaching them...in the middle of a real fight?" Thor found himself whispering. He had seen Lydia train their team before, but those were controlled environments, carefully constructed scenarios. But this? This was a real battle against a genuine enemy.

Meanwhile, Lydia simply stood there, her arms crossed and her eyes trained on the unfolding battle. Her expression remained as impassive as ever. Yet, beneath the calm exterior, she was actively assessing and analyzing each move, each strike, each dodged attack. Her mind was calculating Hela's reaction times, identifying her strengths, pinpointing her weaknesses. And with every passing moment, she was storing this data, ready to dish out her critique when the time was right.

The air crackled with the collision of the Necrosword against Hela's blades, illuminating the battlefield with brief, violent flashes of light. Lydia watched on, her gaze never wavering. She saw not just the battle, but the dance of technique, the expressions of determination, the display of raw power. She saw the essence of what it truly meant to be a warrior.

As Wanda staggered over, Lydia's eyes remained glued to the ongoing fight. Her voice was cool and measured as she began to dissect Hela's fighting technique.

"Do you see how she's anticipating his moves?" Lydia gestured to where Hela was weaving around Gorr's larger form, her steps nimble and precise. "It's all in the eyes, the slight twitch of the muscles before a swing. She's reading his intentions in every subtle movement he makes."

Wanda winced as Hela landed a particularly hard blow to Gorr's side, forcing him back several steps. It was clear to see that Hela was effectively using her opponent's weight against him, luring him in before striking with lethal precision.

"Her footwork," Lydia continued, her voice calm despite the intensifying battle, "See how she never stays still for too long? That's how you maintain a safe distance while still being within reach for a counterstrike."

Wanda watched, her breath held, as Hela danced around the battlefield, her movements resembling a lethal ballet more than a fight. She could see the wisdom in Lydia's words, the intricate strategy behind Hela's every move.

"And see how she times her attacks, using the momentum of her body to drive each blow?" Lydia pointed out as Hela executed a powerful spinning kick, launching herself into the air before striking Gorr with an overhead strike that sent him sprawling.

"She's not just using her raw strength," Lydia concluded, turning to face Wanda, "She's using every aspect of her being to gain the upper hand in this fight. That's what makes her so formidable."

Wanda nodded, absorbing Lydia's critique. The lessons were harsh and the circumstances extreme, but it was clear that this battlefield was an extraordinary classroom. And she was willing to learn, no matter how painful the lessons.

Lydia's gaze was sharp and focused on the spectacle in front of her. Wanda could see a glint in Lydia's eye, the unspoken excitement of a mentor observing the progress of her students. She continued her guidance, her voice steady and clear.

"Magic isn't just for hurling fireballs from a safe distance, Wanda. It's a tool, and like any tool, it's most effective when used creatively." Lydia gestured towards Hela, who was engaged in a fierce exchange of blows with Gorr.

Suddenly, Hela thrust her palm forward, a bright pulse of green energy erupting from her hand and crashing into Gorr. The raw power of the magical blast sent Gorr hurtling backwards, smashing through several pillars before he skidded to a stop, sprawled on his back.

"See that? That's using magic in close quarters." Lydia turned her attention back to Wanda, her tone almost lecturing. "She didn't just use her magic to cast a spell or summon a weapon. She used it like a physical force, a punch made of raw energy."

Wanda's eyes widened as she comprehended Lydia's point. The use of magic in this way hadn't occurred to her. She watched as Hela closed the distance between her and Gorr, her hands crackling with magical energy ready for the next strike.

"The beauty of magic is its versatility," Lydia added, her gaze returning to the fight. "Whether you're a mile away or right in their face, you have countless ways to use it to your advantage. That's what Hela is demonstrating right now."

As Lydia finished speaking, Hela let out a fierce battle cry, lunging at Gorr and delivering a barrage of magically-enhanced strikes. Each blow was followed by a burst of emerald energy, pushing Gorr back further and further.

Wanda nodded slowly, her mind abuzz with new possibilities and tactics she could employ in her own fights. This battlefield was not just a place of combat, it was a classroom for her, and every moment was a lesson she intended to learn from.

"Hela is doing well, but she's falling into a common trap," Lydia began, her voice now carrying a slight undertone of critique.

Wanda followed Lydia's gaze, seeing Hela launching another series of strikes at Gorr, driving him back with an overwhelming display of power. Yet, as Wanda looked closer, she saw the subtle hints of what Lydia was talking about.

"She's getting carried away with her own power," Lydia continued. "You see how she's using her magic for every attack? It's powerful, yes, but it's also predictable and draining."

Wanda watched as Hela unleashed another pulse of energy, the light from the blast illuminating the area around them. But as the light faded, Wanda noticed that Hela's posture was slightly slouched, her movements not as swift as before.

"Magic is a resource, just like physical stamina. You must use it wisely," Lydia instructed, her eyes still on the battling duo. "An experienced enemy will notice this and exploit it. And when your magic runs low, it leaves you vulnerable."

As if on cue, Gorr seized the opportunity and launched a quick, brutal counterattack, his dark Necrosword slicing through the air towards Hela. But the Goddess of Death was quick to react, although the fatigue was evident in her movements.

"Remember, Wanda, balance is key," Lydia finished, a hint of sternness in her voice. "Too much reliance on any one tactic makes you predictable. Mix up your attacks, conserve your resources, and always keep your enemy guessing."

Wanda nodded, taking in Lydia's advice. She looked at Hela with newfound understanding. This was a lesson she wouldn't forget.

"Fix it, Hela! Or you're back to day one of training!" Lydia's voice boomed across the battlefield, echoing with a note of stern warning.

Immediately, Hela's eyes widened in alarm, her attention instantly pulled away from the battle. A spark of dread ignited at the thought of being subjected to Lydia's rigorous training regimen once more. Day one was always the most brutal, a test of will as much as it was of physical and magical strength.

With renewed vigor, Hela quickly adjusted her strategy. She drew back slightly, saving her magic and instead focusing on her swordplay. A flurry of precise strikes, quick jabs, and evasive maneuvers followed, catching Gorr off guard. Now and then, she'd launch a magical attack, but with better control and less frequency, leaving Gorr unable to predict her next move.

James chuckled beside Lydia and Wanda, a grin stretching across his weathered face. "Oh, I remember her first day," he said, his voice laced with humor. "Screaming and cursing, promising to throw Lydia off a cliff. It was a sight to behold."

The corner of Lydia's lips twitched upward in a faint smile, the rare hint of amusement shining in her eyes. "She was a stubborn one, wasn't she?" She commented, watching as Hela finally seemed to grasp the lesson, her movements becoming more fluid and efficient.

"But she learned," James added, crossing his arms as he leaned back, his eyes on the ongoing battle. "They always do."

"And so will you, Wanda," Lydia spoke, turning to look at the young witch. Her words held the weight of a promise, a testament to the journey they were all embarked upon.

Hela had landed a stunning blow, forcing Gorr to stagger back, reeling from the impact. "Stop!" Lydia commanded, her voice cutting through the battlefield like a sharp blade.

Hela instantly complied, stepping back and lowering her weapon. Her gaze shifted towards Wanda, a hint of understanding in her eyes.

"Your turn, Wanda," Lydia declared, a trace of challenge in her voice. "Conditions are fair now."

Wanda blinked at Lydia, her eyes wide and filled with disbelief. "You've got to be joking, right?" she asked, her voice just above a whisper. "He's still Gorr, the God Butcher!"

Lydia simply arched an eyebrow, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You fought him when he was at his best, Wanda. Now he's weakened, his movements slower, his attacks less powerful. It's the perfect moment to strike."

"But..." Wanda hesitated, looking between the battered Gorr and the unyielding Lydia.

"No buts," Lydia cut her off, her gaze firm. "Trust in your training. You've learned much, but learning isn't just about theory. It's about practice. Now, go."

With a reluctant sigh, Wanda finally nodded, straightening up and squaring her shoulders. Her eyes, now filled with determination, burned brighter as she stepped forward, passing Hela on her way towards Gorr.

As Hela walked back towards Lydia and James, she shot a glance at Wanda. "Good luck," she whispered under her breath, a silent prayer for the young witch's success.

"Wanda!" Lydia called out as the Scarlet Witch tumbled across the battlefield, a startled gasp ripped from her throat by the force of Gorr's sudden attack. The God Butcher wasn't playing fair, and it was a bitter lesson.

"Don't wait for your opponent to get ready, Wanda!" Lydia's voice rang out clearly in the midst of the ensuing chaos. "You're not in a sparring ring. You're in a battlefield. There are no rules, no breaks. If you give him an inch, he'll take a mile."

Wanda grunted, pushing herself up and wincing as she felt a sharp pain spike through her side. But she listened, she took Lydia's words to heart. A battlefield was a ruthless place, and she needed to adapt.

All the while, James couldn't help but to watch the scene with a sense of morbid amusement. He turned towards Hela, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I'll make a bet with you, Hela," he offered casually. "Twenty credits says that Wanda surprises us all and takes Gorr down."

Hela snorted in disbelief, shaking her head. "You're on, Howlett. She's barely holding on."

"The fight's just getting started, Hela," James shot back, his grin widening as he watched Wanda regain her footing, chaos magic already coalescing around her hands. "Just you wait and see."

The brutal onslaught from Gorr was relentless, his vicious attacks ricocheting off Wanda's hastily-erected shields of chaos magic. Each heavy thud of his Necrosword against her defenses sent tremors running through her form, sapping her energy and making her stumble back on shaky legs. The God Butcher was like a whirlwind of fury, his onslaught a continuous storm of brutal force.

"Gorr is not playing around, he's got the scent of blood now," Lydia observed, her voice surprisingly calm given the intensity of the battle playing out in front of her. "Wanda, you need to shift from defense to offense. If you continue on the back foot, you will lose."

Wanda's tired form tensed as she steeled herself, her defensive stance shifting as she absorbed Lydia's words. She glanced towards the observing group, the sight of Hela smirking only fueling her determination. Hela increases the bet. "Hundred credits, huh?" James shot a look at Hela, chuckling before focusing back on the fight. "You're on, Hela. Wanda's got this."

Ignoring the burning pain in her side and the fatigue setting into her muscles, Wanda turned her attention back towards Gorr, her magic glowing brighter as she prepared herself for the next wave of attacks. It was now or never.

The thunderous crash of stone and mortar echoed through the battleground as Wanda was sent soaring through a nearby building. The edifice crumbled around her, dust and debris clouding her vision. Pain erupted through her form as she struggled to her feet, just in time to see Gorr charging towards her, Necrosword raised high.

"Shields!" Lydia barked, her voice carrying over the deafening roars of battle. "Wanda, your defenses, now!"

With a heave of breath and a flicker of her magic, a shimmering barrier of chaos magic sprang to life just in time to absorb the brunt of Gorr's next strike. The force of the blow still knocked her off her feet, but the shield held, protecting her from the potentially fatal strike.

From the sidelines, James grimaced, wincing in sympathy for Wanda's grueling predicament. He glanced sidelong at Hela, his face twisting into a resigned frown. "I said that bet was a joke, Hela."

The Goddess of Death merely smirked in response, folding her arms across her chest as she kept her eyes on the fight. "You're not wriggling out of this one, James. You made a wager, and you're sticking to it."

Pinned down beneath the weight of Gorr's relentless assault, Wanda could barely keep her magic shield intact. Each strike was like a sledgehammer against her defenses, the concussive force causing her vision to swim. Sweat trickled down her brow, mingling with the dust and grime that stained her face.

"Hold on, Wanda," Lydia's voice rang out. "You're stronger than this."

Summoning the remnants of her strength, Wanda's eyes flared with chaos magic, a deep crimson hue illuminating the area around her. A torrent of raw energy erupted from her, sending out a shockwave that knocked Gorr off his feet and sent him soaring backwards.

The ground shook under the impact, dust and debris flying into the air. Gorr skidded back several feet, his necrosword clattering to the ground as he struggled to regain his footing.

"Well done," Lydia called, clapping slowly in approval. "Remember, your power is not just for defense. It can be a potent weapon as well."

Wanda nodded, catching her breath, a faint smile of triumph on her face. "Got it," she panted, readying herself for the next round of combat.

With newfound resolve, Wanda steadied herself, her eyes blazing with the glow of her chaos magic. She watched Gorr rise to his feet, his sneer baring jagged teeth. But Wanda didn't falter; instead, she pressed on. She saw the patterns now, the rhythms in Gorr's movements. Each swing of the necrosword had a prelude, each step a hint to the next. It was like a dance she was beginning to learn.

The space between them closed as Wanda charged, pushing Gorr into the defensive. Her spells sparked in the air, each a punch of magic Gorr was forced to evade. She matched his brutality with precision, his ferocity with calm. Gorr grunted as he barely managed to parry a forceful blow, his footing slipping on the Asgardian cobblestone.

"I think she's got him," James remarked, a note of pride in his voice.

Hela scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "This is far from over," she muttered.

As they spoke, Wanda took the upper hand. She noticed a falter in Gorr's footwork, a momentary slip that she seized upon. A powerful wave of magic slammed into Gorr, sending him crashing through a stone wall. Wanda followed, her aura a swirling maelstrom of crimson energy.

"Keep up the pressure," Lydia's voice echoed in her ear. "You've got him where you want him. Now, finish it."

Determination set in her eyes, Wanda nodded. She was ready to end this, she was going to win.

The moment stretched thin as Wanda hesitated, her gaze caught between the vulnerable Gorr beneath her and the deadly strike she knew she could land. A knot of uncertainty twisted in her gut. Lydia's words from before echoed in her mind: "Never hesitate, hesitation will get you killed."

In that sliver of doubt, Gorr struck. His necrosword cut through the air with deadly precision, slicing into Wanda's midsection before she could fully raise her shield. She gasped as the blade bit into her flesh, warmth pooling around the wound. She staggered back, one hand clutching her midsection as she glared at Gorr, who was slowly regaining his feet.

"Maximoff!" Lydia's voice broke through the cacophony of the battle. Wanda could see the disappointment etched on Lydia's face from a distance. "Hesitation is a luxury you cannot afford in a fight. Every moment, every second is vital. This—" she gestured at Wanda's injury "—is the cost of your hesitation."

James winced as he watched, not even attempting to hide his concern. "She's got to learn, James," Lydia said, her tone steady. "This is a hard lesson, but a necessary one."

Hela gave a low chuckle. "Seems I'll be keeping my credits," she said with a smirk.

Wanda clenched her teeth, pushing past the pain. She couldn't afford another mistake, not now. But she took Lydia's words to heart. She wouldn't falter again. She wouldn't give Gorr another opportunity. The battle was far from over, and she still had a few tricks up her sleeve.

Wanda's blood stained the ground, her breathing shallow as she lay there seemingly defeated. Gorr, a cruel grin on his face, launched himself forward, his Necrosword cutting through the air, aimed at her.

But Wanda had planned for this. She knew his arrogance would cloud his judgment, his overconfidence dulling his strategic mind. She had but moments to act as he closed the distance between them, his blade shimmering with deadly promise.

Wanda pulled herself together in a fraction of a second, chaos magic flooding her veins. She pushed away the pain, focusing all her energy on the point where Gorr would meet her.

One step, two steps... she counted in her mind, her senses hyperaware of Gorr's looming presence. Three steps, four... she tensed, preparing herself for the imminent clash. On the fifth, just as Gorr was within reach, Wanda moved.

Her movements were fluid, her body guided by her intuition and sheer will. She spun on her heel, rising like a phoenix as her hand, glowing with chaos magic, sliced through the air with precision.

The impact was swift and silent, Gorr's momentum carrying his body past her as his head fell to the ground, his eyes wide with surprise. His body crumbled to the ground a few feet away, a lifeless husk.

James' smirk widened as he watched, his fingers twiddling in anticipation. "Looks like you owe me, Hela," he chuckled. Hela grimaced but conceded, passing a credit chip to him. "Well played, Maximoff," she grumbled. "Well played."

Lydia stood silently for a moment, her gaze locked on Wanda. A small, approving smile tugged at her lips. "Good," she said simply. "Very good."